The KC Wide Open as well as the Memorial and Masters Cup, were all inaugural qualifiers in 1999.

Finishing 13th, Brian (-25) said he was able to get past recent putting woes to turn in an above average performance. And now Brian is bound for Rock Hill – a place he has become quite familiar with after 12 years of playing the USDGC.

Over that span, Schweberger, of Tarboro, N.C., has been a perennial contender, averaging 18th place. He even earned runner-up in 2006.

Down by nine to Barry Schultz at the start of the final round that year, Brian said he began hot, shooting (-7) through the front nine. However, Schultz didn’t budge much, only relinquishing two strokes and after carding a double bogey on hole 13 (888’), Schweberger knew it wouldn’t be his year.

Still, coming that close at the USDGC was incredible for Brian, fondly known as the ‘People’s Champion’.

“It was definitely one of the better moments in my life as far as disc golf,” said Brian, who has more than 100 tournament wins as a pro.

With the USDGC pro field cut in half this year, Brian, 39, said he was a little concerned about qualifying, but he was still confident in his chances.

In Brian’s last two US Championships he has finished around 30th place. In order to get back in the mix this year, he said he needs to play less aggressive while still executing his throws. Making those crucial putts is also big.

“It’s like everybody says, you drive for show, but you putt for that money,” said Brian.

With the World Championships in nearby Charlotte and the USDGC returning to a familiar format, it should be an even busier season than normal for Schweberger, who routinely fills up his calendar with tourneys. No big deal for Schwebby, who predicts he’ll be up to 30 tournaments by then.